Critics React to Jude Law’s Bold Role as Putin in ‘The Wizard of the Kremlin’
The politically charged drama "The Wizard of the Kremlin," directed by Olivier Assayas and starring Jude Law as Russian President Vladimir Putin, premiered at the Venice Film Festival to a mix of praise and criticism. Adapted from Giuliano da Empoli’s bestselling 2022 novel, the film offers a fictionalized narrative of Putin’s rise from post-Soviet chaos to authoritarian ruler, exploring the formation of modern politics through the creation of his curated public image. While critics admired Law’s intense performance, they found the film somewhat sprawling and lacking emotional depth.
A Fictional Narrative Rooted in History
“The Wizard of the Kremlin” centers on the character Vadim Baranov (played by Paul Dano), a media strategist inspired by the real-life Vladislav Surkov, who played a pivotal role in shaping Putin’s political path. The story traces Russia’s transformation from the collapse of the USSR, through the tumultuous 1990s under Boris Yeltsin’s rule, and into the consolidation of Putin’s power. Though Baranov is a fictional figure, the film populates its world with recognizable characters, including oligarch Boris Berezovsky, portrayed by Will Keen, and explores key historical events like the Chechen Wars and the annexation of Crimea.
Jude Law’s Focused Portrayal of Putin
Jude Law’s depiction of Putin drew significant attention, with critics lauding his ability to convey the leader’s reserved but ruthless nature without resorting to caricature. Law transformed his appearance with expert makeup and a wig reflective of Putin’s look during the film’s era but maintained his natural voice rather than a heavy Russian accent. Director Assayas and Law agreed the portrayal was not meant as a direct imitation but to relay the essence of Putin’s persona, marked by calculated control, subtle menace, and occasional displays of suppressed fury.
Law’s performance was often described as the film’s anchor, bringing intensity and nuance to a complex figure who remains central to global geopolitics amid ongoing conflicts like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Stylistic and Narrative Challenges
While the film ambitiously compresses several decades of Russian history and politics, many reviews noted that its broad scope results in a dense and sometimes overwhelming narrative. The screenplay, co-written by Assayas and novelist Emmanuel Carrère, covers vast political landscapes and numerous characters but struggles to fully develop the emotional layers of its protagonists.
The film’s pacing and tonal shifts, veering from political thriller to personal drama—particularly regarding Baranov’s relationship with a fictionalized lover—left some critics feeling disconnected from the story’s core message. The intricate plot and myriad details risked sidelining audience engagement in favor of exposition.
Political Resonance Beyond Russia
Director Olivier Assayas emphasized that the film, while rooted in Russian history, comments on the evolution of modern politics on a global scale. It critiques the rise of authoritarian governance, manipulation of public perception, and the precarious nature of contemporary democracy.
Co-star Jeffrey Wright pointed out parallels to the United States, warning of creeping tendencies toward autocracy and the erosion of democratic ideals. “If that potential is lost, as it appears to be now, we risk becoming what we witness in the film,” Wright reflected.
A Relevant Yet Controversial Timely Release
Given ongoing geopolitical tensions, including discussions surrounding peace efforts in the Ukraine conflict, "The Wizard of the Kremlin" is especially timely. Its portrayal of Putin is complicated: far from a one-dimensional villain, Putin emerges as a shrewd and even reluctantly admired leader in the eyes of many Russians, providing ‘vertical’ leadership after a chaotic era.
Critics remain divided over the film’s success in balancing political insight with compelling storytelling. While Law’s performance is widely praised, the film’s sprawling narrative and sometimes thin character development have led some reviewers to deem it more suitable for documentary-style audiences than mainstream moviegoers.
“The Wizard of the Kremlin” invites viewers to examine the intricate web of media, power, ideals, and history shaping modern Russia — and by extension, much of the world’s political environment today.